Jazz Inspired

Jazz impresario George Wein talks about creating the festival phenomenon, his own piano playing and his continuing love affair with jazz.

NEA Jazz Master winner, legendary drummer Chico Hamilton discusses starting the West Coast jazz sound in the early years of his career, his appearance in the film classic â??Sweet Smell of Successâ?? and why so many young musicians today canâ??t swing.

Trumpeter Warren Vaché discusses the realization of his life-long dream to play with strings, what makes a perfect jazz festival, and how to accompany a singer.

Judy Carmichael interviews Jerry Wexler

Jazz pianist Monte Alexander talks about how growing up in Jamaica influenced his music as well as his love of American Westerns and country music.

Film maker â??Hueyâ?? discusses his documentary about the late pianist Marian McPartland, which is part of his series of films about fascinating older artists.

We revisit Judy's conversation with Irish classical pianist John O'Conor, recorded at Steinway Hall in NYC and where she talked him into performing some jazz-inspired classical pieces on one of the many great Steinway grands sitting nearby.

Singer Sandy Stewart discusses her most recent CD with her son, pianist Bill Charlap, and the special musical connection they share.

Raiders of the Lost Arc star discusses growing up with jazz, her love for Fats Waller and how jazz influences her acting choices.

Bassist Pat Oâ??Leary has helped some of the best musicians in jazz swing like mad: Diana Krall, Bob Dorough, Lionel Hampton, Mel Lewis and others. Oâ??Leary is also a composer and passionate teacher and talked to Judy about a fascinating project in Serbia where he combined his talents, working with students and professionals to present his arrangements of Serbian folk songs as reborn jazz orchestrations.

Italian pianist is equally smitten with jazz of the Barry Harris/Tommy Flanagan era and the great stride pianists who came before them. Rossano Sportiello, while extensively trained in classical music, loves jazz and enjoys combining the two.

Pianist/singer Champian Fulton talks about the advantages of starting a music career outside of L.A. or NY and how her father's taste in music has influenced her since before her birth. Hint: He held headphones up to her mama's baby bump. Baby Bud Powell, anyone?

Drummer Dave Tull has provided rhythm for everyone from Chuck Magione and Michael Buble, to Jack Sheldon and Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane. While Dave has also occasionally sung a tune or two with these groups and others, he has recently focused on performing his own beautiful melodies and often hilarious lyrics. Dave is a favorite among jazz musicians, who relish his spot on laments of the sometimes ridiculous challenges jazz musicians face.

Singer/pianist Geoffrey Tozer talks about his kooky, fun-loving radio show â??The Sly Crooner of Swanktownâ?? and shares his thoughts on getting more swank in the world.

Trumpeter Leroy Jones talks about blending his New Orleans musical roots, and love for Clifford Brown, and his work with Harry Connick and his own band with his trombonist wife Katja Jones.